921

From the roots of our language...

...arises a page founded to provide neopians with fitting names for future pets. Here, names are more than a jumble of letters; they resonate history, meaning, and most of all—personality.

Why Latin?

In 1735, Charles Linnaeus published Systema Naturae, which became the foundation for taxonomy, the science behind naming and classifying organisms. Latin is no longer vernacular, so we can rely on its meaning to remain stagnant. Because the Romance languages are indirectly influenced by Latin, binomial nomenclature provides a universal naming system that is not exclusive to English alone.

Sadly, I don't follow the rules of taxonomy to create these names because to some extent I'm still randomly stringing letters together. However, I wanted each name's meaning to hold its own against your own projections, which is why I decided craft these names from Latin and Greek roots.

Extra Notes

The parenthesized words in italics are examples to help you get a feel for the root in context. Most likely they already belong to a pet, although I haven't checked -- still a work in progress.

Each untaken name links to its future petpage, so you can quickly double check for yourself if it's still available.

If you use a name, no neomail notification is required. Enjoy your new pet!

Did you know? Over 60% of all English words have Greek or Latin roots. For science and technology-related words, the ratio rises to over 90%. Want to expand your vocabulary? Start by familiarizing yourself with latin/greek roots.

Did you know? In the older Greek myths, Selene was the goddess of the moon, Helios was the god of the sun, and Thanatos was the personification of death.
Unfortunately, they were overshadowed if not replaced by Artemis, Apollo, and Hades, respectively.

Did you know? In 490 BC, the first battle for democracy was fought at the Greek village of Marathon. Legend has it that the Athenian messenger Phidippides ran twenty-five miles to Athens, carrying news of that stunning Athenian victory against the Persians.
The modern marathon commemorates this amazing feat.

Did you know? Gladiators in ancient Rome would fight till death and if the Emperor wasn't impressed with the winner he would point his thumb down, which would prompt the release of hungry lions on him.
Modern extreme wrestling is a more tame version of what the Romans enjoyed.

Did you know? The ancient Greece civilization lasted from about 800 BC, when the Greeks began to set up city states, to 146 BC when the Romans invaded Greece.
When Rome expanded, it essentially assimilated the Greek and Egyptian beliefs and pantheons of gods into their own, which would explain why the mythogical figures often had Roman and Greek counterparts.

Did you know? The letter W was added later in the Middle Ages in Germanic-speaking regions to the Latin Alphabet.
Which would explain why there are no names that start with W, because there are no latin roots of that letter. :)

--X--

Did you know? Roman deities were usually named after objects and actions, while the Greek deities were modeled after aspects of the human personality - such as love, honor, dignity, and hatred.
Yes, there is a difference.

--Y--

Did you know? Pygmalion was a sculptor who fell in love with a statue he had carved, whose wish was eventually granted by Aphrodite.
The Pygmalion effect doesn't actually describe the phenomenon of an artist falling in love with one's own artwork, but the "self-fulfilling prophecy".

User Feedback Record

Thank you guys for taking the time to write in these kind notes! It's what makes the project worthwhile.

Hiiii. I was just mailing to let you know how much I love your site, Classic Roots. I've always been very interested in etymology, and Classic Roots is a great reminder of why I love language in the first place. And the little facts in every section are really fun. c: Keep doing what you're doing!
- Naomi [aquaeri]

I could scroll through this naming site for hours! There are so many unique aspects to Classic Roots. First, of course, is the fact that every listed name has a Latin prefix. I think this is a genius idea from Shingie that gives more meaning to a pet's name, don't you? Second, there's the wonderfully functional layout, which is astoundingly simple. It's impossible to get confused with it! Third is all the extras that a visitor happens upon - the "Did you know?" facts; the convenient links for each name; the "last updated" notes for each section, which is great; and the long list of Latin-founded names!
- Krazy [crittercraz] from [Enchanted]

With over 1500 options listed by alphabetical order, Classic Roots offers a ton of great untaken names. The site is very well organized, and I absolutely love the clean-cut layout. If you're looking for a pet name, be sure to check this site out!
- Turnip [tloef] from [The Lunch Box]

Hey! Just wanted to say that I'm so happy that Classic Roots is back!
I'm the biggest fan of your page and everytime I get a new pet I use a name from there. Thank you so much for hosting the page! I was lost in the time that it was gone.
- Aisling [fireairshadow]

Classic Roots is awesome! 0: The names on there are so beautiful, and they actually have meaning! 8D It's also nice how you link the names to the lookup. I get tired of copying & pasting names all the time, y'know? xD And the links to sign up, to input names . . . it's perfect. @__@ Yours is the best name petpage for me. so I'mma bookmark it. If I ever have enough room to use one of your names, I'll link back.
So yep. That's all I wanted to say. xD *double thumbs up*
- Mev [mevneriel]

Your site is truely ingenious! It's original and professional and it can be seen that you put alot of effort into maintaning your site! Thanks very much for creating this site It is one of my favourite by far! Keep up the good work!
- Sarah [moonsward]

You've clicked on a link that will take you outside of Neopets.com. We do not control your destination's website, so its rules, regulations, and Meepit defense systems will be different! Are you sure you'd like to continue?

It is a journeyI must face...alone.*dramatic music*

I want to stay on Neopets,where the dangers ofMeepit invasion are taken seriously.

You've clicked on a link that will take you outside of Neopets.com. We do not control your destination's website, so its rules, regulations, and Meepit defense systems will be different! Are you sure you'd like to continue?

It is a journeyI must face...alone.*dramatic music*

I want to stay on Neopets,where the dangers ofMeepit invasion are taken seriously.

You've clicked on a link that will take you outside of Neopets.com. We do not control your destination's website, so its rules, regulations, and Meepit defense systems will be different! Are you sure you'd like to continue?

It is a journeyI must face...alone.*dramatic music*

I want to stay on Neopets,where the dangers ofMeepit invasion are taken seriously.